Waste Flow Mapping: Improve sustainability and realize waste management values (original) (raw)
An efficient Waste Management System creates increased business value, contributes to sustainability and realizes economic opportunities. Previous studies have shown the potential of improving the economy of material efficiency by turning waste liabilities into assets and innovation of resource-efficient solutions and business models is identified by World Economic Forum as the most strategic option to capture value in industry. The main responsibility for waste lies with the operation’s owner but since waste management usually is operated by other functions or companies, supportive methods to include material waste in operational development are needed. The main purpose of this research has been to develop a method framework for identifying and analysing potentials for waste management in manufacturing industry, including residual material values of metals, combustible and inert waste, process fluids and other hazardous waste. A novel approach: Waste Flow Mapping (WFM) is used, combining Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Eco-mapping and a waste composition analysis with basic lean principles to imply the business improvement potentials. Case studies were conducted to validate the approach and to define suitable performance indicators for continuous improvements. Best practice examples were used to support integration of waste management in operations and continuous improvement work. Empirical data from a full scale multi-site study at a global manufacturing company’s operations in Sweden show that by using the WFM approach, the mapping can be done in an efficient and consistent manner, revealing value losses and improvement potentials. Fraction segment definitions were essential to realise cost efficiency and reach a more sustainable footprint. Comparisons between sites show that with simple actions, substantial improvements in recycling efficiency can be made, leading to proposed performance indicators and highlighting the need for established standardized implementation solutions. The results further point out the importance of avoiding mixing material with lower quality grade of the same material.
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